Kitchen and home appliances have come a long way in terms of style and design over the past few decades. From the 50s and 60s when many appliances were only available in basic white, we now have a huge range of colors, finishes and styles to choose from. But recently there seems to be a revival of plain white appliances. Is white making a comeback when it comes to ovens, fridges, dishwashers and other household appliances? Let’s take a look at some of the trends.
The History of White Appliances
Up until the 1960s, most major home appliances were only available in white. This was partly due to manufacturing limitations at the time, but also because white was seen as a neutral, clean and modern color that fit well in the sleek, minimalist kitchens that were popular in the post-war era. Brands like General Electric, Frigidaire, O’Keefe & Merritt and others produced fridges, ovens and other appliances in gleaming white enamel or painted finishes.
Then in the 1960s and 70s, design and color started to become more important in home appliances. The avocado green and harvest gold shades popular in this era were featured on many appliances. But more significant was the introduction of stainless steel in the 1960s, which brought a more industrial, professional look. The 80s and 90s saw a shift toward built-in appliances and black, bisque and almond shades. By the 2000s, appliance colors were endless – bold metallic tones, cool blues and greens, warm burgundies and more.
The Return to White
In recent years, there has been a noticeable return to white and neutral toned appliances:
- Many modern kitchens feature a sleek, minimalist look where bold appliance colors can look out of place.
- White appliances create a clean, spacious aesthetic and make small kitchens appear larger.
- White provides a neutral backdrop that works with any color scheme, making it easy to change up accent colors.
- New finishes like glossy and matte white along with touches like chrome trim give white appliances a more updated, contemporary look.
Major brands like GE, Samsung, LG, Whirlpool and others now offer many models in white, indicating this is more than just a passing trend.
The Pros and Cons of White Appliances
Here are some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of choosing white appliances:
Pros:
- Neutral color blends seamlessly into any kitchen design
- Makes small spaces appear cleaner and more open
- Reflects light well, creating a bright appearance
- Classic, retro look is back in style
- Easy to match with any hardware finishes
Cons:
- Shows dirt, smudges and fingerprints
- Requires more frequent cleaning
- Can make an all-white kitchen seem clinical if not balanced with other materials
- Lack of color can be seen as boring
Design Ideas for White Appliances
Here are some tips for stylishly incorporating white appliances into your kitchen design:
- Add warmth with natural materials like wood cabinets, butcher block and exposed brick
- Include black or stainless steel hardware and fixtures for contrast
- Use texture with glass tile, stone and textured walls
- Paint an accent wall a bold, dramatic color
- Add colorful accessories like rugs, curtains and decorative objects
White appliances look great paired with light natural wood cabinetry or crisp white cabinetry. For something more modern, combine glossy white appliances with charcoal gray cabinets. And don’t forget about the potential of mixing white with black stainless appliances.
The Latest in White Appliance Finishes
Beyond basic white, some of the latest finishes give white appliances more depth and personality:
- Matte White – A muted, soft finish with a chalky, flat look.
- Gloss White – A shiny, reflective surface that makes whites gleam.
- White Glass – White glass oven doors create a lighter, transparent effect.
- Metal Accents – Chrome, silver or gold handles and trim accent white nicely.
Many new white appliances also feature clean lines and seamless, minimalist style for a contemporary look. Frameless cabinetry and hidden hinges remove visual clutter.
Which Appliances Can Work in White
Almost any type of appliance can successfully be incorporated in white, but some styles to consider are:
Ranges:
Freestanding ranges in clean white with matching hoods create a dramatic focal point. All-white convection ovens and gas cooktops also look bold and modern.
Refrigerators:
An oversized white fridge acts as a sculptural element, especially when accentuated with chrome. White French door refrigerators also impart subtle luxury.
Dishwashers:
Hidden away under the counter, a white dishwasher still provides a crisp, fresh look when opened. Top control models make the white finish more visible.
Microwaves:
Set into a white marble or quartz backsplash, a white microwave can disappear into the design. More visible countertop models make a statement.
| Appliance | Works Well in White |
|---|---|
| Ranges | Yes |
| Refrigerators | Yes |
| Dishwashers | Yes |
| Microwaves | Yes |
Conclusion
White appliances offer many attractive benefits that explain their resurgent popularity. Crisp and neutral, they work in any space and with any style. Their clean look maximizes the feeling of openness and space. With the right accents and finishes, white appliances can be given texture and personality. For those looking to keep up with current trends, white is an appealing classic color choice that also manages to look fresh and contemporary.
With creative pairings and stylish coordinating elements, white appliances provide flexibility in design. They can blend seamlessly into the background or make a striking statement. White works wonderfully to create a light, airy interior and can be combined with other finishes like stainless or black for dramatic effect. Homeowners who value simplicity and minimalism will enjoy how white appliances enhance those aesthetics. Thanks to new modern options in terms of materials and details, the return to white appliances is about much more than just basic white.
